OL TSTD 103: Root Verses of the Middle Way (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā) Part One

The Root Verses of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika) by Nagarjuna is a classic Buddhist text that uses logic to challenge our assumptions about the nature of reality. Nagarjuna analyzes various phenomena we generally assume to be real, such as motion, cause and effect and the sense faculties. He also analyzes doctrines accepted by the tradition, such as the four Noble Truths. In each case, he shows that their reality is illusory, fabricated by our deluded minds. Studying this text as a philosophical treatise is an adventure in itself, but for those who practice meditation, it is the perfect complement to practice.

This text is taught over the span of two semesters: Part One covers the first half of the text up to chapter 12, verse 10 and Part Two, which requires separate registration, completes the text. The methodology of our online courses combines traditional Tibetan monastic word-for-word text commentary with a Western-style academic contextualization. This approach mirrors the courses offered in our on-site classrooms in Kathmandu.

Students will navigate the course material via Moodle, an open source e-learning environment. Internet access is required for studying this course. Students will have access to this course in Moodle for one year from the date of their registration.

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